MSC certification of Russian pollock fishery gathering momentum

Within the framework of certification of Russian pollock fishery under the MSC program on 28 January 2009 the nation's Pollock Association and TINRO-Centre fishery research institute signed an agreement on surveys towards complete evaluation of Russian pollock fishery in the Sea of Okhotsk and in the Bering Sea for compliance with the MSC standards, reports www.fishnet-russia.com (www.fishnet.ru) with reference to Pollock.Ru.

The agreement has become another important step towards sustainable and ecologically safe exploitation of the valuable resource.

In September 2008 Marine Stewardship Council officially announced start of procedure of APO fishery certification in the Sea of Okhotsk and in the Bering Sea. At present, Canadian company TAVEL Certification is completing forming the international group of experts who will be in charge of evaluation. The first stage is to be completed in the end of 2009.